The siege of Bedford Castle in 1224 was a major assertion of royal authority over the baronage in the reign of Henry III. Falkes de Breaute, a mercenary captain enriched during the baronial wars, had abducted a royal judge. Henry III besieged the castle for eight weeks with a substantial force including miners and siege engines. When it fell, the 24 knights of the garrison were hanged. The castle was slighted, never rebuilt. The episode marked a decisive step in Henry\'s reassertion of crown power after the minority.
24 knights hanged after surrender
Royal: Henry III\'s full siege train and baronial levies. Garrison: Falkes de Breaute\'s mercenary knights and soldiers
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